too blessed to be stressed

For a couple of weeks now Pat and I have started wondering what God has in store for us, which direction he's leading us, and what we have to look forward to in the future. Sometimes, i am so happy that God only shows us what's in front of us and not too much of the future so that we don't get overwhelmed or freaked out. On the other hand, I wish I could see what our future holds for us. It seems like everytime we get to a good point in our finances, something cracks and we're back in the same boat we were in before (many times before). I'm not angry with God or wish that things were different because I know that ultimately only he knows what the future holds and he always has our best interest in mind, even if it's not what WE think is best.

Just within the past week we have started getting really discouraged. We have both sent out tons of applications and resumes and had not heard a single thing. On top of that, we've had some other things happen that aren't pleasant but through it all we are still trusting God has a bigger plan for us.

Today, out of the blue, I received a phone call from a company I had applied to a couple of weeks ago and I have an interview on Monday at 8:45. I am super excited! Please keep us in your prayers as we wait to see God's plan unfold!

Sacrafice

Thinking about what we've been going through, with Pat losing his job and Citi choosing to go with another candidate has really made us step back and think. We wonder if we're doing what we are supposed to be doing, if there is something missing that we should be doing, or just what direction we're supposed to head into. We were really upset when we found out yesterday that I didn't get the job at Citi because we both really thought that it was what God had in store for us. It caused some anxiety, frustration, and disappointment. We know that God has a plan for us and for our family but in the midst of the turmoil, it's not always easy to see the light at the end of the tunnel. This morning, as I was reflecting on our situation, I decided to read the book of Job. If anyone had a reason to complain it would've been him. He lost everything, all his sheep, his entire family, and his health. He still praised God despite his circumstances and we have to remember to do the same. There is a plan for us and for our family and it's going to be bigger than we ever imagined, I just know it. The hard part is waiting.

After reading Job and realizing that today is good Friday, I realize that Jesus made the ultimate sacrafice for us. He died for us, so that we don't have to. Someone explained it this way: You can choose to be born once and die twice (naturally and eternally) or you can choose to be born twice and die only once. I don't know about you but when looking at what Christ chose to do for us, our problems don't seem so big. I pray that this weekend anyone who does not know Christ or doesn't have a place to go to church to come to Element Church. I'm excited to celebrate Christ's resurrection this weekend and for the ultimate sacrifice for love!

Element Church is in the old Belz Mall building where Hwys 40 and 70 meet and they're offering 6 services this weekend:
Friday 6:30
Saturday 4 & 5:30
Sunday 9, 10:30, 11:59

Where do we go from here

Lately, with everything that is going on in our life right now, it seems like it's a time of reflection. It's a time to think about what we have done, what we haven't done but were supposed to do, and where we go from here. As most of you know, I've started my own photography business {www.harmoniousportraits.com} and while I absolutely love doing photography, sometimes I feel like I don't measure up. I know there are people out there that are better than me and it gives me something to strive for, but I can't help but wonder if I can ever be at that level. On the other hand, maybe I'm more suited for a desk job. As I mentioned before, I had an interview at Citi (3 weeks ago this coming Tuesday) and I haven't heard back from them yet. I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to work with this company and be able to learn more.

I am just rambling because I haven't gathered my thoughts very well. I feel blessed beyond measure: my family is healthy, our kids are smart and inquisitive, we have an awesome church, great friends and the unconditional love of our Savior. I have about 5 photo shoots and a wedding (that I am assisting) coming up within the next month and I am beyond excited about them! I will hopefully hear back from Citi this week and pray that Pat hears something this week as well.

I pray that each person I meet feels that they are important, that I care about them, and that they are a treasure in the arms of Christ.

If any of you do not currently attend church, I invite you to come with me to ours: Element Church (in the old Belz Mall at 70 and 40). This weekend they have services on Friday (6:30), Saturday (4:00 and 5:30), and Sunday (9, 10:30, and 11:59)

awesome

Last night I went to bed utterly exhausted and fell asleep almost instantly. Yesterday was our last small group meeting until this fall and I've really enjoyed getting to know this group of people. For many of you, you already know that Pat is without a job (as well as myself) and we are looking like crazy. I have been starting to feel a little scared, worried, and unsure, but something really amazing happened last night. While it was still dark out, I was awakened by this overwhelming peaceful and calming feeling. It woke me out of a dead sleep (and for those of you that know me, I don't wake up easily). I felt like it was God comforting me, telling me everything was going to be fine because even though I can't see the big picture, He can and this is just one tiny piece of the puzzle. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us (Heb. 13:5) and that he works all things together for the good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). It was a feeling that I can't even fully describe, it just felt like a completely comforting and overwhelming experience. Even though we are unaware of our future, we can trust God and that he will take care of us and our family, he always has and will continue to do so. Things look grim right now, but this is just the "dark before the morning" (a song by Josh Wilson). I know God has bigger plans for us than we can even imagine and that we can trust in him completely. I am so grateful for a wonderful church family and friends that help us remember these things!

He's getting big tooooooo fast!

So, today Declan and I went up to Peine Ridge and registered him for Kindergarten. I can't believe he's old enough to go to school already! It makes me sad that he's gotten so "old" but he is SO excited. He couldn't stop smiling the whole time we were there and he gave the lady in the office multiple hugs. He got to meet his principal and talk to a few of the teachers that were hanging out. He even got to make a star to hang on the office window!

On another note, please continue to pray for us. Pat was denied unemployment and has not heard from any of the places he has applied to. I had an interview with Citi on Tuesday and was the first person they interviewed for that position. Apparently, per company policy, they have to interview at least three people for each position. I am praying that this opportunity happens! Pat is starting to get discouraged and finally applied with a temp agency today. He finished school with a 3.5 GPA and will be graduating on May 14th!!! We got his cap and gown the other day and he seemed excited. Please think about us whenever you're praying and if you get a chance, send Pat a word of encouragement!